Timing mechanism for folding machines or the like



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L. M. KOHN TIMING MECHANISM FOR FOLDING MACHINES OR THE LIKE Filed March 20, 1920 4 Sheeis-Sheet l 86 43 2c 45 43 l 2/ 40 47 38 a 4 I A a I :7

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1.. M. KOHN 1 TIMING MECHANISM FOR FOLDING MACHINES OR THE LIKE Filed March 20. 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 5 A m5 7 W1 /02 in l llllllllll""" h Fun NM]. 20 T1923. 11,474,7fl

L. M. KOHN TIMING MECHANISM FOR FOLDING MACHINES OR THE LIKE Filed March 20, 1920 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 H T TOR IVE Y5 Patented Nov. 20, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT or LEO M. KOHN, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

Application filed March 20, 1920. Serial No. 367,477.

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, Lm M. Korm, a citizen of the United States. residing at. Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Timing echanism for Folding Machines or the like, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to timing mechanisms for folding machines of the kind in which articles of different lengths are folded at distances from the ends thereof which bear a definite ratio to the length of the sheets.

The objects of this invention are to provide a compact and eflicient timin mechanism of this kind, which is positive and reliable in operation; also torovide a meehanism of this kind in whic 1 a plurality of folds can be timed by means of a single pair of differently movable members; also to improve the construction of apparatus of this kind in other respects hereinafter specified.

In the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a fragmentary sectional plan view of a timing mechanism embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of one of the switches or circuit-closing devices actuated by the tin'iing mechanism.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view on an enlarged scale of oneof the folder-actuating members of the timing mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary central sectional elevation of the timing mechanism on line 4-4, Fig. 1.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary sectional plan view thereof similar to Fig. 1, but showing some of the parts of the mechanism in different positions.

Fig. 6 is a sectional elevation on an enlarged scale of the mechanism for starting the actuating members from their initial positions to effect the making of the first fold, the section being taken on line 6-6, Fi 15. y

. Fi n 7 is a sectional elevation thereof on line ?--7, Fig. 5.

Fig. 8 is a sectional elevation similar to Fig. 7, but showing the parts in different positions.

Figs. 9 and 10 are fragmentary top plan views of the mechanism for starting the actuating members for making thesecond fold, the parts being shown in different positions in the two views.

Fig. 11 is a fragmentary sectional elevation of the starting mechanism for making the second fold, the section being taken on line 11-11, Fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a similar fragmentary sectional elevation showing the parts in different posltions.

Fig. 13 is a fragmentary sectional elevation thereof on line 1313, Fig. 11.

Fig. 14 is a fragmentary sectional elevation thereof on line 1414, Fig. 5.

Fig. 15 is a top plan view of the timing mechanism.

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view. partly diagrammatic, of a. folding machine in connection with which the timing mechanism may be used, and showing diagrammatically the electrical connections between parts of the folding machine and the timing mechanism. Y

The timing mechanism herein described belongs to the same general type as the one shown in Patent N 0. 1,313,713, granted to A. M. MacFarland and assigned to me, and maybe used in connection with a machine for folding sheets or other articles or for performing other operations thereon. The timing mechanism will hereinafter be described as used in connection with a sheet folding machine of the kind adapted to be used in laundries for folding flat work after it is discharged from the usual flat work ironer, but it is not intended to limit the timing mechanism to such use.

A folding machine in connection with which the timing mechanism en'ibodying this invention may be used is shown in Fig. 16. The articles to be folded are fed to the folding mechanism by any suitable means, such for example as a travelling conveyor or apron A passing over rollers a a a and which may receive the sheets from a flat work ironer or other device. The sheets are discharged from the apron or conveyer A between a pair of travelling conveyors or tapes l3 and C, the conveyer C extending around rollers c c, suitably arranged in the frame of the machine and adapted to operate in contact with or in close proximity to the conveyer or tapes B which pass around rollers 12 I) b and N. The conveyer or tapes B carry the articles to a third set of tapes D passing around suitable guide rollers. Arranged above the tapes or conveyers D is a pair of folding rollers E and F, the roller I cooperating with a conveyer or set of tapes 7, which pass around the folding roller F and a roller f. \Vhen the part of the article to be folded comes into op-- erative relation beneath the folding rollers E. F, a feeder member G is actuated through the medium of the timing mechamsmand moves between the tapes D from the position shown in dotted lines to the full line position, thus passing the sheet betweenthe two folding rollers. The folded sheet passes between the conveyer or tapes F and a run of the conveyer or tapes B, by means of which the article is fed into operative relation to a second feedin member H adapted to cooperate with fo din rollers I and K. The feeding member I-Tis also actuated through the medium of the timing mechanism and passes the sheet to a conveyer i from which the folded sheet may be discharged from the machine to a table L. In case the second fold is not made the article can be discharged from the lower run of the tapes B to the table L. i

Immediately after the sheet enters between the tapes B, C, the sheet actuates a controlling or contact device M, consisting in the construction shown of an arm or projection m extending into the path of movement of the articles to be folded and adapted when actuated by an article to contact with a fixed portion m of the controlling device to complete an electric circuit to the timing mechanism. In a similar manner, the sheet after having been folded for the first time actuates a second controlling device N which is also connected with the timing mechanism for controlling the actuation of the second feeder member H. 0 represents a trough or the like which is adapted to receive the front end of the sheet to be folded before the same is passed to the folding rollers E, F. The timing mechanism is profably arranged in a housing P shown in Fig. 16 and the movable parts of this mechanism are driven in any desired manner so as .to move at rates of speed which bear a definite proportion to the rate of movement of the conveyers or tapes of the folding machine, a chain p being shown in the drawing for imparting movement to the movable members of the timing mechanism. The timing mechanism is in the construction shown electrically connected to the controlling devices M and N and also with the feeder members G and H in such a manner as to actuate the feeder members G and H at predetermined intervals of time after engaging the contact devices M and N.

The timing mechanisms for accomplishing these results is shown in Figs. 1-15 and includes two members which move at difierent rates of speed. In the construction shown, these members are in the form of wheels 20 and 21, the wheel 20. hereinafter referred to as the high speed wheel, revolving at a definite proportion to the rate of movement of the conveyers or tapes of the folding machine, and the wheel 21 hereinafter referred to as the slow speed wheel, revolving at a slower rate of speed than the wheel 20, this speed dependin upon which portion of the article is to be fblded. If the article is to be folded in the middle the slow speed wheel will revolve at one half of the speed of the high speed wheel and if it is desired to fold the articles at a'distance from the ends thereof equal to one-third of the length of the article, then the slow speed wheel will revolve at either one-third or two-thirds of the speed of the high speed wheel, depending upon whether the fold is to be made near the front or the rear endof the article as the same passes through the folding machine. B varying the speed of the slow speed wheei relatively to the high speed wheel the article can be folded at any proportional distance from the end thereof regardless of the length of the articles.

The wheels 20 and 21 are journa-lled'to rotate about a shaft 22 which is suitably fixed in a frame 23 of the timing mechanism, the wheels 20 and'21 being secured to bushings 25 and 26 which are formed on gears 27 and 28 respectively, as shown in Fig. 4. These gears are driven by means of gears 30 and 31 respectivel shown in Fig. 15, and which are secure on a shaft 32 journalled in the frame 23, the shaft 32 having a driving connection with the folding machine, such for example as the sprocket chain 11 shown inFig. 16.. The timing mechanism shown is intended to effect the folding of the article in half, and consequently the slow speed wheel 21 is driven at one'half of the speed of the high speed wheel '20. Any other means for driving the wheels 20 and 21 may be employed.

The driving 'wheels or members 20 and 21 are adapted to impart movement to a number of folder actuating or controlling members 35, four of these members being shown in the construction illustrated. These actuating members are provided at one end with an eye or hole 36 through which the shaft 22 extends and the other ends of the actuating members extend into proximity to the peripheries of the high and slow speed wheels 20 and 21. Each of the actuating members is provided with a gripping or holding member adapted to cooperate with one or the other of the wheels 20 and 21, the gripping member shown being in the form of a ratchet 38 arranged at the outer end of an arm 39 of the gripping member. The ratchet 38 is adapted to engage with ratchet teeth 40 on the high speed wheel v20 speed wheels. The arm 39 of t or with corresponding ratchet teeth 41 arranged on the slow speed wheel 21, the teeth 40 and 41 being arranged in annular series adjacent to the edges of the hi h and slow e r member is pivoted at 43 on a pro ection or part 44 of the actuating member, and a spring 45 is preferably employed which normally presses the gripping member downwar ly into a position to engage the ratchet teeth 40 of the high speed w eel 20. The gripping member 1s also'provided with an outwardly extending finger or projection 47, which in the construction shown, extends through a slot 48 in a substantially vertical portion 49 of the actuating or controlling member, the slot 48 serving to guide the finger 47 in its movement to place the ratchet 38 into engagement with either the ratchet teeth 40 or 41. Any other means for placing the actuating members into holding or gripping engagement with the high and slow speed wheels to move the actuating member about the shaft 22 with the high and slow speed wheels may be employed. Each of the actuating members is preferably provided with a friction member or spring 50 which in the construction shown is secured to the outer end of each actuating member and presses yieldingly against the outer periphery of the high speed wheel 20. 46 represents a post or downwardly extending part on the actuating member, which extends into close proximity to the high speed member 20 and which is adapted to hold the actuating member from being bent or otherwise displaced. The actuating members may be of any other suitable or desired construction.

The rotation of the high and slow speed wheels in the direction indicated by the arrows in Figs. 1, 5 and 15 causes the actuating members to be moved into the positions shown in Fig. 15, which is the starting position. In order to move the actuating members into this position and hold the same against movement until released. a cam track 51 is provided which has an inclined portion 52 arranged to engage the finger 47 of the ratchet or gripping members as the actuating members move toward the starting position and raise the gripping members into an intermediate position in which they will be. out of engagement with either of the rack teeth 40 and 41. The cam track 51 is provided witha stop or projection 53. which in the construction shown is formed integral with the cam track 51 and which holds the foremost of the actuating members in the starting position and the other actuating members abut against each other and against the foremost member, so that the stop 53 holds all of the actuating members against movement. As the foremost of the 53,- the other actuating members is moved from the startmg position in engagement with the sto actuating members are a vanced, due to the frictional engagement or the spring 50 with the high speed wheel, until the finger 47 thereof engages the stop 53 and will remain in this starting position until released. The feeding of the actuating members to the initial position and the holding of the same in this position may be accomplished in any desired manner.

The releasing of the actuating members from their starting positions is preferably effected by means of the following mechanism:

Arranged in operative relation to the stop 53 of the cam track 51 is a lifting lever 57 pivoted at 58 and having a part 59 which extends substantially parallel and in close proximity to the cam track and which is adapted to swing upwardly from the positions shown in Figs. 6 and 7 to a position shown in Fig. 8. During this movement of the parts 58 of the lifting lever the finger 47 of the foremost actuating member is raised clear of the stop 53 and into a position in which the ratchet 38 will engage with the ratchet teeth 41 of the slow speed member 21. This movement of the lifting lever 57 is accomplished, in the construction shown, by means of a magnet or solenoid coil 60 which is suitably mounted on the frame 23 of the timing mechanism, and the core or armature of which is connected by means of a lever 61 and a link 62 to the 100 lifting lever 57. The magnet coil 60 is energized whenthe foremost edge of an article to be folded closes a circuit through the controlling device M of the folding mechanism. and this causes one of the actu- 305 ating members 35 to be operatively connected with the slow speed wheel 21. Other means for operativcly connecting an operating member with the slow speed wheel may be employed.

In order to hold the actuating member in operative connection with the slow speed wheel 21 for the desired interval of time, a holding track 65 is provided which is so arranged relatively to the path of movement of the actuating members as to engage the fingers 47 and hold the ratchet of the actuating member in engagement with the slow speed wheel 21 as long as the finger 47 remains on the holding track 65. In the m0 construction shown, the track is movable toward and from the path of movement of the fingers l7 ofthe actuating members. the track being provided with arms or guide members 66 which are slidable on a station- 125 ary frame member 67. The arms 66 are provided with slots 68 through which screws or bolts 69 extend to guide the track 65 in its movement relatively to the axis of the timing mechanism, the screws being secured till llltll in the stationary frame member 65 The holding track 65 is normally held in its rear or inoperative position shown in Fig. 15 by means of a sprin 70 connecting the track 65 with an arm 71 secured on the frame member 67. In this position the track is out of reach of the fingers 47. The holding track 65 is moved toward the revolving parts of the timing mechanism by means of arms 75 secured on a rock shaft 76, which is journalled on the frame member 67. The upper ends of the arms 75 extend through holes in the arms 66 of the track 65 so as to impart movement thereto when the arms 75 are swung with the rock shaft 76about the axis of the latter. The rock shaft 76 isswung about its axis by means of an arm 78, Fig. 4, rigidly secured to the rock shaft and which is connected by means. of a rod 79 to the core of an electromagnet 80. This magnet 80 is energized simultaneously with the magnet so that the lifting lever 57 and the track are actuated simultaneously, the finger 47 of the foremost actuating member being moved into engagement with the slow speed niemben and sliding from the lifting lever to the track (35 and being held in engagement with the slow speed wheel by the track 65 until the magnet 80 is deenergized, permitting the spring to withdraw the track 65 into the position shown in Fig. 15. When in this position the track disengages the finger 47 and permits the spring 45 to move the ratchet 38 downwardly into engagement with the ratchet teeth '40 of the high speed wheel 20. The deenergizing of the" magnets 60 and occurs when the article to be folded moves out of engagement with the arm at of the controlling device M to again open the circuit. When the lifting lever 57 is in its upper position shown in Fig. 8, the other actuating members are moved into engagement with the end of the lifting lever and will be held by the lifting lever against further movement until the magnet 60 is deenergized, which will cause the lifting lever to drop and permit the next actuating member to move into engagement with the stop 53, from which position it may be raised by the lifting lever 57 when the next article to be folded engages the controlling device of the folding machine.

After the withdrawal of the track 65 as described, the actuating member moves with the high speed wheel 20 about the axis of the shaft 22. into operative relation to a circuit closing device or switch .84 havin an arm which is adapted to be engaged by a part of the controlling member, for

example, a projection 86 thereon. This projection moves the arm 85 from the full line position shown in Fig. 2 to the dotted line position, against the action of the spring 88, and thereby turns a shaft or I pivot 89 -tion.

end of whic 1 is adapted to straddle a. collar on the shaft 22 to hold the switch member in place, and the outer portion of the switch iv may be supported on a suitable part (not shown) 'of the frame of the timing mechanism. A switch or circuit closing memberof any other suitable construction may be employed. The switch is so arranged ielatively to the path of movement of the actuating member that this member --will close the switch when the part of the article to be folded is in operative relation to the feeder member G, and the closing of the switch will cause the actuation of the feeder member, as will be hereinafter described. Consequently, when the actuating member has closed the switch, the operation of making the first fold in the article is completed. As soon as the actuating member moves out of engagement with the arm 85 of the switch, the spring 88 will draw the arm back to its original position and thus break the cir cuit and permit the feeder member to return to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 16.

After closing the switch the actuating member moving with the high speed wheel 20, reaches a movable cam track which is arranged in the path of movement of the fingers 47 and which lifts the'latch of the,

actuatin member out of engagement with the rate let teeth of the high speed Wheel when the cam track 100 is in its lowest posi- In close proximity to this cam track is a pivoted stop member 102 having a suitable stop projection 103 extending into close proximity to the cam track 100 so as to engage the finger 47 of an actuating member and hold the member in the starting position for the second fold. The member 102 is pivoted at 104 on a part of the frame of the timing mechanism and is yieldingly held by" means of a spring 105 in a position in which the stop projection 103 presses against the cam track 100. The stop member is also provided with a cam] face 107' arranged at some distance from the stop projection 103 and ada ted to be engaged by the endof the finger 4 of an actuating member so that when an actuating member moves into the starting position for thesecond fold, the

llil) holding member 102 is firstmoved back wardly to the position shown in dotted lines inv Fig. 9, in which position the stop 103 will release any actuating member held thereby. After the finger'of an actuating member has passed the cam face 107 and entered into a notched portion 108, the sto member moves back to the full line atin member against further movement unti released. The object of the cam face 107 is to release an actuating member from the starting position if a second actuating member comes into proximity to the stotp t position before the first member has 1e this position. This construction is designed to prevent the holding of the actuatingmembers of the timing mechanism in the starting position for the second stop if the machine 1 is used for making only a single fold in an mechanism. This pivoted member is adapted to swing from its lower position in WhlCh the cam track 100 m'oves the'latch 38 from engagement with the teeth of the high speed wheel 20, which position is shown in Fig. 11, to an elevated position shown in Fig. 12, in which the latch 38 is moved upwardly into engagement with the teeth 41 of the slow speed wheel 21. When the finger 47 'of the latch is raised to its upper position the actuating member travels with the slow speed member and the finger 47 moves from v the cam face 100 of the lever 110 to a track i as the track or or guard 115 which is slidable toward'and from the movable members of the timing mechanism, somewhat in the same manner guard 65 hereinbefore described. I

The mechanism for moving the lever 110 and the track or guard 115 may be of any suitable or desired construction, that shown being organized as follows The track or guard 115 is provided with guide arms llti similar to those described for the track 65. the arms being provided with guide slots 117 through which pins or 1 screws extend which control the direction of movement of the track 115. The track is held in its rear position out of operative relation to the actuating members by means of a spring 118 connected to the track or guard and to an arm 119 suitably secured on the frame member 112. The track or guard 115 is moved into operative relation to the fingers 47 of the actuating members by means of arms 120, the ends of which engage the arm 116 of the track or guard and "which are rigidlyse'cured to a rock shaft "121, Figs. 11 and 13', pivoted on a frame member 112. This rock shaft is also proivided at one end with an arm 12 1, having a slot through which a pin 125 secured to the end of the lever 110 extends. Consequently when the rock shaft 121 is swung about its pivot the lever 110 will be swung about its pivot to raise thecam track portion 100. thereof to its upper osition and the track or'guard 115 will at t e same time be moved inwardly into operative relation to the finger 47 of the actuating members. The oscillation of the shaft 121 is effected in the construction shown by means of an electromagnet 127, Fig. 15, which is electrically connected with the controlling device N of the folding machine, so that the magnet is energized when an article is passing to the second folding device engages the controlling device N. The core of the magnet 127 is connected by means of a rod 128 to an arm. 129 of the rock shaft 121, in such a manner that when the magnet is energized the movable cam track 100 is swung upwardly and the track or guard 115 is moved inwardly into operative relation to the fingers 47. When the magnet 127 is deenergized, due to the fact that the article has passed out of engagement with the controlling device N, the spring 118 draws the track 115 and lever back to their initial positions, thus causing the actuating member to be again connected with the high speed wheel. The controlling member Wlll travel with the high speed member to a second switch 129, which is substantially similar to the first switch and which is adapted to close a circuit which actuates the second feeder member H. This feeder member passes the article to be folded between the folding rollers I and K to effect the second folding of the article. After the actuation of the second switch the actuating member continues to move with the high speed member until it reaches the cam track 52 by means of which the actuating member is moved out of engagement with the high speed wheel. The actuating member is then moved gradually by friction into the starting position to again effect the folding of anot er article, the friction being derived by contact of the spring 50 with the high speed member.

The electrical connections between the parts of the folding machine and the timing mechanism may be of any suitable and desirable kind to effect the results desired, the connections shown diagrammatically in Fig. 16 serving to. illustrate how the results can be accomplished. The controlling device M is connected by means of two conductors 130 and 131, with a relay 132, power being derived from a battery or the like 133, and a switch 134 beingprefer'ably inserted into the circuit. The relay is adapted when energized by the closing of the circuit through the controlling device M to close a second circuit which mcludes a source of power 136 and the two magnets and 80. These magnets actuate the part of the timing mechanism which controls the movement of the foremost actuating member to effect the making of the first fold in the article. This actuating member in the course of its movement closes the switch 84 whcih is connected by means of conductors 137 and 138 to a magnet 139 controlling the actuation of. the

feeder member G, power for actuating the magnet being derived from any suitable source indicated by 140. Y

The connections used for making the second fold of the article are as follows.

The controlling device N is connected by two conductors 142 and 143 to a relay 144, a source of power 145 and i switch 146 being included in the circuit. The relay closes a circuit through the battery 136 and conductors 147 and 148 to a magnet 127 which actuates the part of the timing mechanism for starting the actuating member on its movement to effect the making of the second fold. This actuating member closes the switch 129 which is connected by means of a conductor 150 to a conductor 137 leading to the source of power 140. A conductor 151 connects the conductor 13? with a magnet 152, which when ener ized actuates the second feeder member The other terminal of the magnet 152 is connected by means of a conductor 153 with the other terminal of the switch 129. only one fold in an article the switch 146 is opened, in which case the mechanism for making the second fold is rendered inoperative. The actuating member will then be retained by the pivoted stop member 102 until a second actuating member releases the same bv engagin the cam face 107 of the Y pivoted stop mem er.

This apparatus has the advantage of being compact in arrangement, since two or 5 finore folds can be made by means of the mechanism described from a single pair of relatively movable members. The appara 'tus is extremely reliable in operation since the movement of the actuating members with the high or slow speed member is positive, so that no slipping or relative movement between the actuating member and the moving member is possible. The timing mechanism consists of comparatively few parts, all of which are so constructed as to be durable when in use.

Iclaim-as my invention:

1. The combination with a machine adapted to make a plurality of folds in an article, of a timing mechanism for controlling the operation of said folding machine, said timing mechanism including a pair of members movable at different speeds, and a folder actuating member which is movable with one or another of said movable members and which controls the making of a plurality of folds.

2. The combination with a folding machine provided with a plurality of devices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member which controls successively the operation of said folding devicles to make aplurality offolds in an artic e.

If it is desired to make 3. The combination with a folding machine provided with a plurality of devices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member and a plurality of stationary members arranged in the path of movement of said actuating member and connected with said foldingdevices to actuate the same, said-actuating member being adapted to engage said stationary members in its movement to successively actuate said foldin devices.

4. T e combination with a foldin machine provided with a plurality of evices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member, and a plurality of switches adapted to be successively closed by said actuating member, said switches being electrically connected with said folding devices to cause the actuation of the folding devices when said switches are closed.

5. The combination with a foldin machine provided with a, lurality of dbvices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member which controls successively the operation of said folding devices to make a plurality of folds in an article,'and means for moving said actuating member at different speeds relative to the rate of movement ofthe article to be folded.

6. The combination with a foldin machine provided with a plurality of evices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member which controls successively the operation of said folding devices to make a plurality of folds in an article, stops for holding saidactuating member against movement at certain points of its path of travel, and means for releasing said actuating member from said stops when the article to be. folded reaches a definite point in its passage through said machine. 7. The combination with a folding machine provided with a plurality of devices for successivel making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanismincluding a movable actuating member which controls successively the operation of said folding devices to make a plurality of folds in'an article, means for starting the movement of said actuating member when the unfolded rticle reaches a certain point in its passage through the machine, means for stopping said actuating member after said article has been folded, and means for again starting said actuating member when the folded article reaches a. certain point in its movement in thefolding machine to a second folding device. r

8. The combination with a folding machine provided with a plurality of devices for successively making different folds in an article, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member which controls successively the operation of said folding devices to make a plurality of folds in an article, and means controlled by themovement of an article through the folding machine for controlling the movement. of said actuating member.

9. The combination with a folding machine provided with devices for successively making a plurality of folds in an article, and a plurality of controlling devices adapted to be actuated by an article passing through the machine, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member, the movement of which is controlled by said controlling devices and which successively actuates said folding devices.

10. The combination with a folding machine provided with devices for successively making a plurality of folds in an article, and a plurality of controlling devices adapted to be actuated by an article passing through the machine. of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member, stops which normally hold said actuating member against movement and from which said actuating member is released by said controlling devices, said actuating member during its movement successively actuating said folding devices.

11. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, mov'able driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, and guide devices arranged in proximity to the path of movement of said actuating member for placing said actuating member into and out of operative relation to one or another of said driving members.

12. The combination with a folding machine having means for making a fold in an article and controlling devices actuated by an article in passing to the folding means, of a timing mechanism including an actuating member for controlling the operation of said folding means. driving members for imparting movement to said actuating member in apredetermined path, and guide means arranged adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member and movable by said controlling device to place the actuating member into opera-tiv e connection with one or another driving member.

13. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined pa-th, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member and havin teeth, and a part on said actuating mem er adapted to be moved into engagement with the teeth of either of said driving members to form a driving connection therewith.

14. In a timin mechanism for folding machine and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuating member which is normally in driving connection with one of said driving members, and guide means engaging said part for moving the same into engagement with said other driving member,

15. The combination with a machine adapted to perform an operation on an article and having a controlling device actuated by an article in passing through the machine, of a timing mechanism including an actuating member movable in a pre-determined path, driving members for said timing mechanism, said actuating member having a part adapted to form. a driving connection with either of said driving members, and means arranged along the path of movement of said actuating member and movable by said controlling device for moving said part of the actuating member into driving relation with one oranother of said driving members, and means in the path of movement of said actuating member and engaged thereby to control the operation of said machine.

16. The. combination with a machine adapted to perform an operation on an article and having a controlling device actuated by an article in passing through the machine, of a timing mechanism including driving members movable at different rates of speed, an actuating member arranged between said driving members and having a part which is movable into en agement with either of said driving mem ers, and members relatively to which said actuting member moves and which are movable by said controlling device to move said actuating member into engagement with one or another of said movable members.

17. The combination with a machine adapted to perform an operation on an article and having a controlling device actuated by an article in passing through the machine. of a timing mechanism including an actuating member which normally moves at a definite rate of speed corresponding to the speed of the article passing through the machine, a member-arranged adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member and adaptedto engage said actuating member to cause the same to move at a slower rate of speed, and connections between said controlling device and said last mentioned member for causing said last mentioned member to disenga c said actuating member after the artic e vdisengages said controlling device to cause said actuating memher to move at said first mentioned rate of speed.

18. In a. timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member and having teeth, a; part on said actuating member which may be moved into engagement with the-teeth of either of said driving members, and means which yieldingly press said part in a direction to engage with one of said driving members.

19. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movablein a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted toimpart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuatin member adapted to be moved into positive engagement with either of said drivingmembers to form a driving connection therewith, means for yieldingly holding said part in engagement with one of said driving members and a guide track adjacent to t e path of movement of said actuating member for moving said part into engagement with said other driving member.

20. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating membermovable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to'impart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuating member adapted to be moved into positive engagement with either of said driving members to form a driving connection therewith, and a stationary cam track adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member for moving said part out of engagement with both of said movable members.

21. In a timing mechanism for folding -maehines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuating member adapted to be moved into ositive engagement with either of said dr ving members to form a driving connection therewith, and frictional means independent of said part which yieldingly tend to move said actuating member forwardly When the same is disconnected from said movable members.

22. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path. movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuating member adapted tobe moved into positive 'en gagement with either of said driving members to form a driving connection therewith, and a frictional member secured to said cam track, am?

actuating member and yieldingly en aging one of said movable members, where y the movable member tends to move the actuating member forwardly when said part of said actuatin member is disconnected from either of sai movable members.

23 In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, a part on said actuatin member adapted to be moved into positive engagement with either of said driving members to form a. driving connection therewith, a stationary cam track adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member for moving said part out of engagement with both of said -movable members for stopping the movement of said actuating member, a stop on said cam track, and means independent of said movable part of said actuating member for yieldingly moving said actuating members to said stop.

24. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable timing members adapted to impart movement. to said actuating member, a part on said actuating member which may be moved into engagement with the teeth of either of said driving members, means which yieldingly press said part in a direction to engage with one of said driving members, means for holding said part in a position out of engagement with both of said driving members, and means for yieldintgly moving said actuating member forwar ly when said part is out of engagement with both of said driving members.

25. In a timing mechanism, the combination of a plurality of actuating members movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movementto said actuating members, means for positively connecting any of said actuating members with said-driving members, a stationary cam track adapted to move said means out of positive connection with either of said drivin members, a stop on said a frictional connection between one of said driving members and said actuating members for moving said members along said cam track to said stop.

26. In a timing mechanism, the combination of a high speed and a slow speed wheel, an actuating member movable about the axis of rotation of said wheels and having a part adapted to be moved into engagement with either of said wheels, and a segmental guide track adapted to hold said part in engagement with one of said wheels and movable out of engagement with said part to cause said part to engage with said other wheel.

27. In a timing mechanism, the combination of an :urtuating member normally movable at. a definite speed in an endless path of movement, a slow speed member arranged adjacent to said actuating member, a stop for holding said actuating member against movement. means for moving a part of said actuating member out of engagement with said stop and into engagement with said slow speed member to cause said actuating member to move therewith, and a guide track arranged adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member and which engages said actuating member after the same passes beyond said moving means and which is adapted to be moved into a position in which said actuating member is connected with said slow speed member.

28. In a timing mechanism, the combination of a high speed and a slow speed mem her, an actuating member movable in a predetermined path of movement, a part on said actuating member adapted to be moved into engagement with. either said high or said slow speed member, means for yieldingly pressing said part into engagement with said high speed member, a stop for holding said )art out of engagement with both said high and said slow speed members, and means adapted to move said part out of engagement with said stop and to i hold said part in engagement with said slow speed member, said means including a portion which is movable to disengage said part and cause the same to engage with said high speed member.

29. In a timing mechanism, the combination of a high speed and a slow speed member, an actuating member movable in a predetermined path of movement, a part on said actuating member adapted to be moved into engagement with either said high or saidslow speed member. means for yieldingly pressing said part into engagement with said high speed member, a stop for holding said part out of engagement with both said high and said slow speed members,

a a lever adapted tomove said part out of enmembe gagement with said stop and into engagement with said slow speed member, and a guide track arranged adjacent to the path of movement of said part and adapted to hold said part in engagement with said slow speed member, said guide track being mov able out of engagement with said part to permit said part to engage said high speed 30. The combination with a folding machine having a controlling device adapted to be engaged by an article to be folded, of a timing mechanism having a high speed and a slow speed member, an actuating member movable in a predetermined path of movement, a part on said actuating member adapted to be movedinto engagement wlth either said high or said slow speed member, means for yieldingly pressing said part into engagement with said high speed member, a stop for holding said art out of engagement with both said high and slow speed members, means adapted to move said artout of engagement with said-stop and Into engagement with said slow s d member, said means including a portion which is movable to disengage said part and cause the same to engage with said high speed member, connections between said control ling device and said cam track whereby the movements of said track are controlled by said controlling device.

31. In a timing mechanism, the combination of a high speed and a slow speed member, an actuatingv member, a finger on said actuating member extending beyond the same and by means of which said actuating .member may be engaged with either said high or said slow speed member to cause said actuating member to move therewith, a track adjacent to the path of movement of said actuating member and adapted to engage said finger, said track being normally out of engagement with said finger, and electromagnetic means for moving said track into operative relation to the path of movement of said finger.

32. In a timing mechanism, the combination of high and slow speed members each having teeth, an actuating member movable with said high speed or said slow speed member and having a latch pivoted thereon and movable into engagement with the teeth of either of said members, a spring se-- cured on said actuating member and engaging said high speed member for yieldingly carrying said actuating member forwardly when said latch is disengaged from both 1iaid high speed and said slow speed mem- 33. In a timing mechanism the combination of a plurality of movable actuating members, a pivoted stop member having a projection adapted to engage an actuating member to hold the same against movement, said pivotedstop member having a cam, face adapted to be engaged byanother actuating member to move said projection to release said first mentioned actuating member.

34. In a timin mechanism, the combination of a plurality of movable actuating members, a stop arranged in the path of movement of said members and adapted to hold an actuating member against movement, and a part connected with said stop and adapted to be engaged by a second actuating member approaching said stop, to cause said stop to release said first actuating member.

35. In a timing mechanism, the combina' tion of an actuating member, a pair of driving members operating at difierent rates of speed and in the same direction of rotation,

a part on said actuating member adapted to be moved in one direction to connect said actuating member with one of said drlvmg members, means adapted to engage said part .to hold the same in another position to enbers, a stop for holding said part in said in-;

termediate position and stopping the movement of said actuating member, a movable member adapted to move said part out of engagement with said stop and into engagement with said slow speed member, a track adapted to hold said part in engagement with said slow speed member, said track being movable out of engagement with said part, and a spring for moving said part into engagement with said high speed member when said part is disengaged by said track.

37. In a timin mechanism the combination of an actuating member, high and slow speed driving members, a part on said actuating member movable intoa position to connect said actuating member with one of said driving members and into another position to connect said actuating member with 'the other of said driving members and into an intermediate position to disconnect said actuating member from said driving members, a stop for holding saidpart in said intermediate position and stopping the movement of said actuating member, a movable member adapted to move said part out of engagement with said stop and -into engagement with said slow speed member, a track adapted to hold said part in engagement with said slow speed member, said track being movable out of engagement with said part, a spring for moving said part into engagement with said high speed member when said part is disengaged by said track, and means for simultaneously actuating sa'id movable member and said track.

38. In a timing mechanism, the combination of an actuating member, high and slow speeddriving members, a part on said actuating member movable into a position to connect said actuating member with one of said driving members and into another position to connect said actuating member with the otherv of said driving members and into an intermediate position to disconnect said actuating member from said driving members, a stop for holding said part-in said intermediate osition and stopping the movement of said actuating member, a disengaging member for moving said part from said stop into engagement with said slow ed member, a track movable toward and rom the path of movement of said part and to which said partmove's from said disengaging member, and mechanism connectin said disengaging member and said track or simulilganeously actuating said member and said trac a 39. The combination with a folding machine provided with devices for successively making a plurality of folds in an article, and a plurality of controlling devices adapted to be actuated by an article while passing through the machine, of a timing mecha nism including a movable actuatin member, the movement of which is started y the engagement of a controlling device by the fore most edge of an article and which is controlled by said controllin devices to successively actuate said foldlng devices. 40. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predeten mined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, means controlled by an article to be folded to place said actuating member into engagement with one or another of said driving members to move said actuating member into a position to cause the making of the first fold in an article, and means controlled by the folded article to again place said actuating member into engagement with one or another of said driving members to move said actuating member into a sition to cause the making of a second fol in the article.

41. In a timing mechanism for folding machines and the like, the combination of an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actu-.

.ating member, means controlled by an article to be folded to place said actuating member into engagement with one or another of said driving members to move said actuating member into a position to cause the making of the first fold in an article, a stop which said actuating member eng s after the making of said first fold, an means controlled by the folded article to disengage said member from said stop and to again place said actuating member into engagement with one or another of said driving members to move said actuating member into a (position to cause the making of a second fol in the article.

' 42. In a timing mechanism for fol'din machines and the like, the combination 0% an actuating member movable in a predetermined path, movable driving members adapted to impart movement to said actuating member, means arranged in proximity to the path of movement of said actuating member for placing said actuating member into and out of operative relation to said driving members, and a plurality of folder actuating devices arranged in the path of movement of said actuating member and successively actuated by said member.

43. The combination with a folding machine provided with devices for successively making a plurality of folds in an article, and a plurality of controlling devices adapted to be actuated by an article while passing through the machine, of a timing mechanism including movable driving members, an actuating member,'means controlled by said controlling devices for causing said actuating member to move with one or another of said movable driving members to cause said actuating member to successively actuate said folding devices to make a plurality of folds in an article.

44. The combination with a. folding ma chine having folding devices for successively making a plurality of folds in an article and a controlling device for each foldin device, each controlling device being engaged by an article before the article passes to the corresponding folding device, of a timing mechanism including a movable actuating member, the movement of which is controlled by an article through the medium of said controlling devices, and means arranged at intervals in the path of movement of said actuating member and engaged successively by said actuatin member to cause the operation of said fo ding devices when the article is in the desired operative relation thereto.

45. In a timing mechanism, the combination of an actuating member, high and slow speed driving members, a part on said actuating member movable into a position to connect said actuating member with one of said driving members and into another position to connect said actuating member'with the other of said driving members and into an intermediate position to disconnect said actuating member from said driving members, a stop for holding said part in said intermediate position and stopping the movement of said actuating member, means for moving said part out of engagement with said stop and into engagement with said slow speed member and for holding said part in engagement with said slow speed member, and means for moving said part into engagement with said high speed memher when released from said means for holding said part in engagement with said slow speed member.

46. In a timing mechanism, the combination of an actuating member, high and slow speed driving members, a part on said actuating member movable into a position to connect said actuating membervwith one of said driving members and into another position to connect said actuating member with the other of said driving members and into an intermediate position to disconnect said actuating member from said driving members, a stop for holding said part in said intermediate position and stopping the movement of said actuating member, a movable member adapted to move said partout of engagement with said stop and into engagement with said slow speed member, and a track adapted to hold said part in engagement with said slow speed member, said track being movable out of engagement with said part to permit said part to engage said high speed member.

Witness my hand this 18th day of March, 1920.

I LEO M. KOHN. Witnesses:

F. E. Pnocnnow,

M. J. Pirraan. 

